The students in my one elective class, environmental science, aren't used to having many resources. The community is extremely high need, with over 90% of the students eligible for free lunch. Materials for inquiry-based laboratory experiments are virtually non-existent
My students are extremely interested in performing experiments on the water in our school and community--what's in it, why does it taste funny, etc--but we have no supplies or money to purchase them. They ask me 'Why can't we drink the water from the sinks?' and 'How can we test the water to see if it's healthy?' and I can only dream of having the proper supplies to perform such an experiment.
The solution: a comprehensive water pollution test kit. This will allow my students to prepare themselves for college with the type of extensive laboratory experience they do not have access to in their school. They will learn about the process of water testing, how to perform such tests, and the scientific method.
If their hypothesis is correct, and the water isn't healthy, they will have the opportunity to see the connection between science and policy firsthand. This type of opportunity doesn't come often to high school students anywhere and would be a dream come true for many of them.
Help us to purchase a water pollution test kit so that we can determine what we are drinking and whether or not it is healthy! Our results could potentially convince our district to make lasting improvements in our building and other older buildings in the district, impacting thousands more students than the twenty-five in my environmental science class!
Your help will turn my students into scientists. By applying their classroom skills in the community with the possibility of impacting thousands of other students, my students will feel empowered and gain the appreciation of science that will guide them through college and beyond.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mr. L. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.